Emery Reacts To Uefa’s Decision To Move Arsenal’s Match To Kiev

Arsenal boss Unai Emery says the gunners will respect Uefa’s decision to move their Europa League tie against Vorskla Poltava to Kiev.

The venue for the Group E clash was switched to Kiev’s Olympic Stadium from the Stadion Vorskla in Poltava – around 185 miles east of the Ukrainian capital – after martial law was declared in 10 regions of the country.

Poltava avoided Martial law but Uefa apologised to both sets of fans for switching Thursday’s tie on Tuesday, and said it will send senior security experts to assess the situation in Ukraine.

Vorskla have confirmed the game will go ahead and with their own supporters inside the Olympic Stadium in Kiev, following an official Instagram post that showed the squad boarding a coach for the country’s capital.

Reactiing to the Uefa decision, Emery said, “First, we need to respect Uefa’s decision because I think it’s not easy for Vorskla.

“For us on Tuesday we were preparing the first trip to Poltava and waiting in the evening for the last decision.

“It’s not changing a lot to play here. It is clear they are playing in Ukraine, not in their town, but here in Kiev they can also move their supporters.

“In 90 minutes we want to do our work here. The decision is not easy but with big responsibility. Uefa found the best decision to play and also with protecting everybody, us and them.

“We were waiting for this decision but with respect. The travel changed but Kiev also has lot of possibility for us and most important for supporters – we just want to play and win and show every supporter from London to do well.”

Olugbenga Ige is an AAUA alumnus. Gbenga loves watching Manchester United play at Old Trafford. When he isn't listening to music, he is watching movies. Gbenga is an experienced reporter at Concise News and a new media enthusiast.